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Press Release (October 28): A JOINT RELEASE FROM TOMPKINS COUNTY AND THE CITY OF ITHACA

Residents Urged to Prepare for Approaching Hurricane Sandy

As Hurricane Sandy advances up the East Coast, Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca continue to advise residents to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from effects of the approaching storm. The Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response and City of Ithaca emergency managers are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to anticipate and manage the effects of this storm.
Hurricane Sandy is expected to make landfall in southern New Jersey tomorrow night and weaken rapidly as it moves inland, with the effects felt in our area as early as the middle of the day Monday, according to the latest update from the National Weather Service.

Tompkins County is under a high wind warning from Monday afternoon through end-of-day Tuesday, as well as a flood watch through early Tuesday evening, with the primary hazard for our area anticipated to be strong, sustained winds as high as 40 miles per hour, with gusts of 50-60 miles per hour. The winds could down trees and power lines and produce extensive power outages that could last for an extended period of time, due to the breadth of the storm. Rainfall is currently forecast at 1-3 inches, with the heaviest rain expected to stay to the south and west of this area; however, some isolated flash flooding of small streams and creeks could occur.

Here are some precautions residents should take to prepare and protect themselves:

1. Monitor local news sources for current information on the storm. Having a portable battery-powered radio is recommended, in case the power goes out. A NOAA emergency alert radio is also recommended—a NOAA radio transmitter in Ithaca transmits emergency announcements regarding the storm at 162.5 mHz.

2. Before the storm, remove loose objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans, the lawn ornaments, which could become projectiles in a windstorm. Bring those objects inside until the storm has passed.

3. To protect against very strong winds, remain inside, in a small interior area on a lower floor, staying away from doors and windows. Remain inside until the storm is over.

4. Strive to be prepared to stay safely in your home for 72 hours if need be, while immediate life and property concerns can be assessed and addressed by responders.
§ Stay away from downed wires, and always assume they are alive until utilities can report otherwise.

5. Periodically check on neighbors and people who may have functional and medical needs.